Christy Essien-Igbokwe - Tribute To The 'Nigerian Lady Of Songs' (1960 - 2011) RIP

Christy Essien-Igbokwe (November, 18th. 1960 - June 30th. 2011) RIP

Good night Christy. May your soul find eternal rest.

Songs in this video:

1. There's time for everything (It's time, EMI 1988)
2. We need Jesus (Taking my time, Soul train records 1986)
3. My people (It's time, EMI 1988)
4. Let your light shine (It's time, EMI 1988)
5. Taking my time (Taking my time, Soul train records 1986)
6. Am going up (It's time, EMI 1988)

Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe also know as Nigeria's Lady of Songs put Nigeria's name on the world music map with her evergreen "Seun Rere" track. She was the first female president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). Born on the 18th November 1960, this singer and actress is the chairman and managing director of Soul Train entertainment limited.

Although she is not Yoruba, most of her hits were sung in the western Nigerian language, and drew heavily on the culture and tradition. Essien's fluency in Yoruba, English, Igbo and her native Ibibio earned her an appeal which cut across tribal lines.

The Beginning
Essien lost her mother at age 12 and her dad in 2005.Growing up she lived with her late mother's friend who encouraged her singing career and bought her a fairly used cassette player to record her songs. She is best remembered as Apeno the wife of the cantankerous character Jegede Shokoya (played by Claude Eke who passed away in 2002) in the sensational situational comedy 'The New Masquerade' .The role shot the young actress to stardom. She later featured in two Nollywood movies "Flesh and Blood" and "Sacred of Womanhood in the early days of Nollywood.

She began her music career in NTA Aba on a programme called 'Now Sound'. During that time New Masquerade was also airing on NTA Aba. On one of the recordings she noticed a cast member rehearsing his lines incorrectly so she volunteered to correct him thereafter she landed a role in the series.

The Journey to stardom
She began her musical career in Secondary School,singing at various clubs in Aba, Abia State such as Uka Onu's Club and Unikoko. The Akwa-Ibom born performer also had the honour of composing and performing what would later be known as her state's anthem of sorts, "Akwa-Ibom Mmi (My Akwa-Ibom)" in 1987, its year of creation.

The singer, who has featured in many national and international shows, still operates a shop in Etinan, in her native Akwa-ibom State where she sells printing machines. She is currently working on releasing her eleventh album.

Later Life
She died June 30,2011.Close to the time of her death, she was involved in private business, running the non-governmental organisation Essential Child Care Foundation involved in child welfare needs and rights as well. Her recent public outings include the Inspire Africa Benefit Concert in January 2009, where she performed alongside her son Kaka and the MTN Musical Festival, a musical show of old and new-breed musicians in 2009.

Her second son, Kaka is also towing the music line. He is a hip hop artiste and producer. One of her earliest albums 'Ever Liked my Person' sold above platinum till date. So popular was one of its hit track 'Omo Mi Seun rere', that a number of African countries have sang their own version. The singer intends to spend her time with the less-privileged children as she has always done over the years.

Honours
Her Honours include Nigerian lady of songs award, Africa music mother award 1984, international special achievement award, Mexico 1983 world song festival award, Los Angeles queen of music international award, association of theatre arts practitioners Lagos 1996, outstanding achievement in female uplifting. She has also contributed enormously to nation building, peace and tolerance - which, alongside moral uprightness, remain constant themes of her songs.

Discography of Christy Essien-Igbokwe:

Freedom (LP, Album) Anodisc Records 1977
Patience (LP) Anodisc Records 1978
Time Waits For No One (LP) Blackspot (2), Decca 1978
One Understanding (LP) Afrodisia 1979
Give Me A Chance (LP, Gat) Afrodisia 1980
Ever Liked My Person? (2 versions) Lagos International Records, Skylark Records 1981
Taking My Time (LP,) Soul Train Records 1986
Hear The Call (LP) Ivory 1990
It's Time (LP, Album) EMI (Nigeria)

Source: Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christy_Essien-Igbokwe

Category:

Music

Tags:

• christy
• essien
• igbokwe
• nigeria

[maxadex7]

A jewel indeed, we love you but God love you most. Sleep well in God's right hand!

[AdoEkiti]

rip christie igbokwe, you will be dearly missed.

[skyconet]

You were in the spirit to have sang "a time to be born and a time to die" May your inspiring soul rest in perfect peace.

[nnamdi2007]

The Truth About It Is That The Gentilities Your Songs Potrayed Brought Peace, Love, And Harmony in So Many Lives. To The Best of My Knowledge, You are a Life Time Legend - May Your Gentle Soul Rest In Perfect Peace!

[osarodion1]

U ARE A GIFT

[MsAnwuli]

Gone 2 soon, say me hi 2 my dad, u folks should rest in peace!!!

[vera3512]

rest in peace, say hello my father and 2 sisters

[DonMazi1]

may her soul rest in peace......

it was a bless we ave good sing like her in those old days not like today's new niaja singer that make noise instead of given the message that music is all about.....we love u.... and thanks alot for all the good message we recieve through ur sweet songs........RIP

[nanapheobe]

A true GEM... her songs will be evergreen & touching, imparting values to lives far beyond her generation.

[edofolks]

Do you have Ever liked my person?